Bali's Traditional Markets

Bali is known as a treasure house of interesting goods to buy. Products of various kinds from traditional antiques to the latest quality fashions in extraordinary displays await the shoppers. It is quite common to bargain in markets, shops and art shops for buyers, so having a good price is partly dependent upon one's smartness in bargaining. Splendid local hand woven materials, silver and gold works, woodcarvings, garments and many other interesting things can be found at any market or art market. You will find that shops selling similar items are generally grouped together. This makes comparing prices easy as you just have to go next shop to find the something. Remember to bring your cash, as not all places accept credit cards.

Denpasar
The Kumbasari Market near the river gives an interesting overview of an Indonesia market with household wares and clothing on the third level, spices and dried goods on the second level and traditional market in the basement.It can be a bit dark in the basement. Nearby is Jalan Hasanuddin, a whole street of gold shops, selling 18-22 carat gold jewelry. Not far away from jalan Hasanuddin is jalan Sulawesi where all manner of fabrics are available. The whole street consists of fabric stores on both sides with a few household ware stores in between.

Kuta
Kuta Art Market has a multitude of shops selling a wide variety of goods including, sarongs, handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, furniture and leather goods. You can find some good pieces if you look carefully and smart bargain.

Sanur
Sanur's main shopping street is Jalan Danau Tamblingan and it is more peaceful then shopping in Kuta. Sanur has an interesting variety of shops with lots of nice restaurants.There are still a few hawkers but they are not as aggressive, except at the beach market. You can find woodcarvings, sarongs and other handicrafts in Sanur Art Market.

Sukawati
Sukawati has a new art market and a traditional market on the main road and side streets. Set in a two-floor building, the market sells everything from statues to dance costumes, all at reasonable prices. A large assortment of woven baskets can be found here along with Balinese ceremonial items made from colorful "Prada" - gold painted cloth. These include dance costumes, fans, umbrellas and clothes worn at tooth filings and weddings. Bargaining is a must.

Ubud
The area of Ubud often regarded as the cultural center of Bali. It is where the image of Bali as a land of artists was created. Ubud gives you the opportunity to see the real Bali. The Ubud Market has kept much of its traditional charm, with squatting Balinese sellers haggling loudly among spices and vegetables. The market also sells handicrafts, many made in the neighboring villages of Mas, Tegalalang, and more.

Read More...

AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Sukawati Market

One of art markets that are already popular among visitors is Sukawati art market. Sukawati road-facing market located in the Gianyar Regency has a strategic position as it is passed through during the tour to some destinations to the east. Sukawati art market is close to the village of Celuk, the center of gold & silversmiths. You can drop in after watching barong and kris dance performance in the morning. It can be accessed through bemo transport, tour bus or taxi.

It is just like a myriad of art shops that offers wide range of products. Simply one stop-shopping. Many items sold in Kuta or other areas originate from here and are considerably cheaper if bought here. One outlet may provide more than one item, like garments, souvenirs, paintings (unframed), basketry, colorful kites and so on.

Buying giveaways to commemorate the holiday has to be a must. So take advantage the holiday time to find out something memorable on the art market of Sukawati. This market is very unique as it is already open in the early morning and visited by both domestic and foreign visitors. It is very close to other destinations in the Gianyar Regency.

A good place to explore the shopping experience in a natural way, get in touch with common people and see how the locals go about the art of negotiation. Yes, shopping is also an art of experience. On the one hand, you may enjoy many kinds of art products all in one spot. It reflects the diversity of local art and crafts and the creativity of its people.

You will get a new experience in the 'art of buying'. You must bargain the price eventhough the vendor offers you a "morning price." Meaning especially low, to start off the trading day with a few sales already and make the day a successful one.

It does not mean you have to accept it as it is, it's not a fixed price. If you are good at bargaining you will get the best price you can afford and the vendor keeps "smiling and thanking you". If they don't smile anymore, you know his cost is higher than your offer. Good at bargaining is a bit
more than insisting on a price. You need to provide a logical reason why your offer is so low and still should be accepted.

Read More...

AddThis Social Bookmark Button